Round 21 of the 2025/26 Bia Sao Vang National First Division: Top three confirmed as Truong Tuoi Dong Nai crowned champions

Truong Tuoi Dong Nai FC have fulfilled their ambition of winning the 2025/26 Bia Sao Vang National First Division title, thereby securing promotion to V.League 1 for the 2026/27 season after years of persistent effort and determination.

With consistent form and strong character demonstrated throughout the campaign, coach Nguyen Viet Thang and his players deservedly claimed the highest honour of the competition with one round still remaining.

The victory over Long An FC in Round 21 marked Truong Tuoi Dong Nai FC’s 15th win of the season. The three points secured allowed the Dong Nai-based club to officially clinch the championship early, opening up an unassailable gap over second-placed Bac Ninh FC, who remain on 45 points, with only one round left to play.

The 2025/26 season featured the emergence of several ambitious contenders in the race for the title and promotion to V.League 1. Alongside Truong Tuoi Dong Nai FC were rising forces such as Bac Ninh FC and Ho Chi Minh City FC, as well as determined challengers including Quy Nhon United FC and Khatoco Khanh Hoa FC. As a result, the competition proved compelling from the very opening rounds, with the top position changing hands several times among the leading teams.

Truong Tuoi Dong Nai FC, strengthened by quality investment in personnel and an experienced coaching staff, did not make an explosive start to the season, drawing their opening match and only securing a narrow victory in the following round. However, Minh Vuong and his teammates quickly found their rhythm from Round 3 onward with an impressive 4-1 win over Xuan Thien Phu Tho FC, gradually building their advantage in the standings.

Nevertheless, a series of draws during the middle stage of the season placed the Dong Nai side under considerable pressure from the persistent pursuit of Bac Ninh FC. Their biggest challenge came in Round 18, when coach Nguyen Viet Thang’s team suffered a 1-2 defeat away at Viet Yen Stadium against their direct rivals. It also proved to be Truong Tuoi Dong Nai FC’s only loss after 21 rounds of competition.

At the end of Round 18, the gap between Truong Tuoi Dong Nai FC and Bac Ninh FC had been reduced to just three points. During this most challenging period, the character and experience of a squad featuring many seasoned players enabled the Dong Nai side to overcome adversity through a series of positive results in the following rounds.

Meanwhile, Bac Ninh FC were unable to maintain their momentum, dropping crucial points and allowing their rivals to widen the gap during the decisive stage of the season.

Following Round 21, not only was the championship officially decided with Truong Tuoi Dong Nai FC crowned winners, but the final composition of the top three was also confirmed. Truong Tuoi Dong Nai FC finished first, Bac Ninh FC secured second place, and Ho Chi Minh City FC claimed third. These three teams demonstrated the most consistent form and strongest competitiveness throughout the season.

Truong Tuoi Dong Nai FC’s title-winning campaign was built on a series of impressive statistics. The team recorded the highest number of victories, the fewest defeats, the most goals scored and the fewest goals conceded in the competition. In addition, they also posted one of the strongest away records and reached the milestone of 50 points after 21 rounds.

The 2025/26 Bia Sao Vang National First Division title is a deserved reward for Truong Tuoi Dong Nai FC’s relentless efforts throughout the season. This success not only secures the club a place in the highest tier of Vietnamese professional football but also marks a memorable milestone in the club’s development journey.

Congratulations to Truong Tuoi Dong Nai FC – the new champions of the 2025/26 Bia Sao Vang National First Division! Congratulations also to Bac Ninh FC for securing the runners-up position and to Ho Chi Minh City FC for finishing in third place!